Tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Let’s shake things up with a dish that’s as vibrant and exciting as it is incredibly easy to make. This Instant Pot Orange Glazed Salmon delivers a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes. Imagine flaky, perfectly cooked salmon fillets bathed in a sweet and spicy glaze with a bright citrus kick. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, first searing the fish to lock in flavor and then gently steaming it to tender perfection. It’s a healthy, low-carb, and utterly delicious way to get dinner on the table, fast!
Ingredients
• 1 lb (450g) salmon fillets, about 1-inch thick
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 3 tbsp (42g) butter
• 3 tbsp (45ml) olive oil
• 2 cups (475ml) water, for steaming
• For the Glaze
• ½ tsp liquid stevia
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1 tsp orange extract
• 1 tsp smoked salt
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Prep the Salmon: Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. This is key for a good sear!
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the butter and let it melt. Toss in the crushed garlic and cook for about 60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Sear the Salmon: Carefully place the salmon fillets into the hot pot. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Press the “Cancel” button and remove the salmon to a plate.
5. Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, liquid stevia, chili flakes, orange extract, smoked salt, and dried thyme. Brush this vibrant glaze generously over all sides of the seared salmon fillets.
6. Steam to Perfection: Place the steam rack (trivet) inside the Instant Pot and pour in the 2 cups of water. Arrange the glazed salmon fillets on the rack.
7. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and turn the steam release handle to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the timer for 12 minutes on high pressure.
8. Release and Serve: Once the timer finishes, perform a quick release by carefully turning the steam release handle to “Venting”. When the pin drops, open the lid. Transfer the salmon to serving plates, drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired, and enjoy immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving
• Calories: 423
• Total Fat: 34.9g
• Net Carbs: 0.3g
• Protein: 29.5g
• Fiber: 0g
Pro Tips
• Don’t skip patting the salmon dry! A dry surface is essential for achieving a beautiful golden-brown sear instead of just steaming the fish.
• For a thicker glaze, remove the salmon and trivet after cooking. Turn the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” and let the remaining liquid in the pot reduce by half before pouring it over the fish.
• If you’re not a fan of stevia, you can substitute it with 1-2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup for a similar sweetness (note this will increase the carb count).
• Serve this salmon over a bed of quinoa, cauliflower rice, or with a side of steamed asparagus for a complete and healthy meal.
FAQ
Q: Can I use something other than stevia for the glaze
A: Yes, if you are not a fan of stevia, you can substitute it with 1-2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup. Note that this will increase the overall carb count of the recipe.
Q: How do I get a good sear on the salmon
A: The key to a good sear is ensuring the salmon fillets are completely dry. Pat them thoroughly with a paper towel before placing them in the hot butter and garlic in the Instant Pot on the ‘Sauté’ setting.
Q: How can I make the orange glaze thicker
A: For a thicker glaze, remove the cooked salmon and trivet from the pot. Turn the Instant Pot back to the ‘Sauté’ function and let the remaining liquid in the pot simmer and reduce by half before pouring it over the fish.
Q: What should I serve with this orange glazed salmon
A: This salmon is very versatile. For a complete and healthy meal, serve it over a bed of quinoa, cauliflower rice, or with a side of steamed asparagus.
